By Bizodisha Bureau, Bhubaneswar, January 5, 2018: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched a number of central government projects in Odisha worth more than Rs 4,500 crore at Baripada, district headquarter of Mayurbhanj district.

The inauguration of these projects by Modi comes ahead of the 2019 general elections which is due in a few months’ time. The assembly polls in Odisha are also slated to be held simultaneously with the Lok Sabha polls.

The projects were unveiled during Modi’s second visit to Odisha in less than a fortnight. He had unveiled various projects worth more than Rs 14,500 crore in Bhubaneswar and addressed a BJP rally near the historic Khurda town on December 24.

Describing the projects as a New Year gift to the people of Odisha, the prime minister expressed hope that 2019 will steer the state on a path of rapid development.

The projects inaugurated by Modi are related to road highways and transport, petroleum and natural gas, railways, culture, tourism and passport services.

Some key projects include four-laning of three major national highways in Odisha, laying of a section of a key LPG pipeline and doubling of an important railway line.

Modi also flagged off a new passenger train on a route, unveiled multi-modal logistics hub in Balasore as well as a project for restoration and conservation of historical site of Haripurgarh.

Prime Minister also inaugurated passport sewa kendras at post offices in Bhadrak, Cuttack, Jajpur, Aska, Keonjhar and Dhenkanal through video conferencing.

Modi also dedicated to the nation the Balasore-Haldia-Durgapur section of Indian Oil Corporation’s Paradip-Haldia-Durgapur LPG Pipeline at a grand function held in Baripada in Mayurbhanj district.

Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, welcomed the Prime Minister at the dedication ceremony.

The event was graced by Prof. Ganeshi Lal, Governor Odisha; Jual Oram, Union Minister of Tribal Affairs, Govt. of India; Ramchandra Hansda, MP, Mayurbhanj, Prafulla Mallick, MLA, Kamakhyanagar and State Steel and Mines and Works Minister and several dignitaries.